Act Naturally: Introduction
“Act Naturally” is a cover song that The Beatles released on their 1965 album, “Help!”. Originally a number-one hit in America by Buck Owens and the Buckaroos, Ringo Starr obviously sang it in his own way. Although not a single in the UK, it was the B-side of “Yesterday” in the US.
In Detail
- Release Date: August 6, 1965
- Recorded: June 17th, 1965
- Studio: EMI Studios, London
- Genre: Country rock, rockabilly
- Track Duration: 2:29
- Record Label: Parlophone
- Songwriters: Johnny Russell, Voni Morrison
- Producer: George Martin
Performers And Instruments
- Ringo Starr: lead vocal, drums
- George Harrison: double-tracked lead guitar
- Paul McCartney: harmony vocal, bass
- John Lennon: acoustic guitar
Where To Find This Track
At this time, you can still find this song on the following releases:
Act Naturally: The Song
Indeed, The Beatles went “country” with “Act Naturally.” They obviously liked the original song and played it in their own inimitable style. Ringo Starr sings it, and his voice is instantly recognizable, of course. While they didn’t perform this song live prior to recording, they did sing it on the Ed Sullivan show on September 12, 1965. They recorded that TV programme on August 14, 1965.
They also sang it at the Shea Stadium concert on August 15th, 1965. Moreover, while on the American tour, the band would sing this or Starr’s other song, “I Wanna Be Your Man.”
After The Beatles broke up and Ringo Starr went his own way, he continued to sing this song while touring. In fact, since 1989, he has sang it at nearly all performances under the name “Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band.”
The song is easy to understand, and it informs us that the singer would like to play the natural part in a movie of someone who is sad and lonely after losing his partner.
Act Naturally: Recording Session
The Beatles began recording “Act Naturally” on the 17th of June 1965, in Studio Two of the EMI Studios, London, during the 2.30pm–5.30pm session. The Fab Four rehearsed it 12 times before finally settling on the 13th take. In fact, this was the only one to have the vocal added.
The “Help!” album almost had another song by Ringo Starr called “If You’ve Got Trouble,” but they didn’t care too much for that recording. That song is on their 1996 album, “Anthology 2.” Meanwhile, on the “Help!” album itself, “Act Naturally” is the first song on side 2, coming just before “It’s Only Love.”
- Ringo Starr and Buck Owens Version
In 1989, the two singers that made this song famous got together and sang it as a duet. Both Ringo Starr and Buck Owens performed the song on March 27. However, between June 23 and June 29, they also made a video to accompany the song. The light-hearted video shows the singers playing the part of two bumbling cowboys while filming a Western movie scene.
Take A Listen
Listen to the song, then tell us your thoughts below.
